Resolution No 3/6-C
on
The Universal Declaration on Dialogue among Civilizations

The Sixth Session of the Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs held in Dakar, Republic of Senegal from 28-29 Rajab, 1412 H (25-26 October, 2000);

Recalling the principles of the Tehran Declaration adopted in December 1997 by the Eighth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference affirming that Islamic Civilization has always and throughout history been rooted in peaceful coexistence, cooperation, mutual understanding, as well as constructive dialogue with other civilizations, beliefs and ideologies. The Tehran Declaration also underlined the need to establish understanding and interaction among cultures in keeping with Islamic teachings of tolerance, justice and peace;

Welcoming the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on November 3rd 1998, which was proposed by H.E. Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Summit, which expressed the General Assembly’s firm determination to facilitate and encourage dialogue among civilizations in the beginning of the third millennium,  which designated the year 2001 as the “UN Year for Dialogue Among Civilizations”, and which called on governments, the UN System including UNESCO, and relevant Non-Governmental Organizations, to set up and implement adequate  cultural, educational and social programmes aiming at enhancing the concept of dialogue among civilizations;

Emphasizing its recommendation No. 13/22-C, inter-alia, on the necessity that OIC plays an active and efficient role on the dialogue among civilizations;

Taking note of contacts carried out between the OIC Chairmanship and Secretariat and the E.U. on issues of common concern;

Believing that virtual and trustful dialogue among civilizations shall generate confidence among nations and lay firm grounds for peaceful interaction among them and lead to the rejection of unfounded claim of inter-civilization conflict;

Renewing its deep conviction in the immense cultural contribution throughout the Ages, offered by Islamic civilization to humanity in all areas and its ability to continue its interaction and enrichment to other contemporary human civilizations, particularly in this age of globalization, communication and technology revolution as well as the space age;

Taking note of Resolution No.13/26-C adopted by the 26th ICFM held in Ouagadougou from 28 June to the beginning of July 1999;

Welcoming the Tehran Declaration on Dialogue Among Civilizations adopted by the Symposium held in Tehran from 3 to 5 May 1999 as well as the recommendations adopted therein;

1. EXPRESSES its deep appreciation to H.E. President Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Chairman of the Eighth Islamic Summit, for having taken the valuable initiative to launch the Dialogue among Civilizations and considers that this initiative, unprecedented in contemporary history, fulfills the aspirations deeply rooted in the traditions of the Muslim Ummah.

2. TAKES NOTE with appreciation of the adoption of the draft “Universal Declaration on Dialogue Among Civilizations” after the meeting of the Governmental Experts Group held at the General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah from 5 to 7 February 2000 (DOC.NO.EGDAC/2-2000/REP.1 Final), and CHARGES the Secretary General with constituting a special committee to follow up its submission to the United Nations Organization, and prompts the Member States to respond to the Secretary General’s invitation for them to attend the Second Governmental Expert Group Meeting for the Elaboration of the Executive Work Programme so that the General Secretariat may submit the two universal documents on Dialogue among Civilizations to the United Nations.

3. COMMENDS the executive work programme for the dialogue among civilizations devised by ISESCO and circulated among Member States, and also commends the excellent contribution in the preparation of the Draft Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations.

4. COMMENDS the continuous efforts of the OIC and its Secretary General and invites him to continue his effective endeavours to crown this initiative with success.

5. REQUESTS the Secretary General to follow up this issue and report thereon to the Seventh Session of the Standing Committee for Information and Cultural Affairs.